The Matchday 30 clash in the Russian Premier League between Spartak and Khimki will take place on May 24 at the Lukoil Arena in Moscow. Spartak vs. Khimki: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Spartak
Dejan Stankovic's team triumphed over Krylya Sovetov away in the last round (2-0). This marked Spartak's first win in their last four Premier League outings (1 draw, 2 losses). Additionally, the team achieved their 16th clean sheet of the season, setting a club record for a 30-match campaign. They currently sit fifth in the standings with 54 points, and only a victory will keep their hopes for a top-three finish alive. Notably, Spartak has scored 30 goals at home this season, second only to Dynamo Moscow (37).
- The club has avoided defeat in 15 of their last 18 home matches in the Premier League (12 wins, 3 draws).
- Spartak has scored at least twice in 5 of their last 7 home league games.
- The team has found the net in the second half in their last seven home Premier League matches.
Projected lineup for Spartak (4-3-3)
Ilya Pomazun – Daniil Denisov, Nikita Chernov, Alexis Duarte, Ricardo Mangas – Daniil Khlusevich, Roman Zobnin, Danil Prutsev – Jesus Medina, Pablo Solari, Mikhail Ignatov.
Defender Ruslan Litvinov will miss the match due to injury.
Khimki
In the previous round, Magomed Adiev's side defeated Rubin 3-2 at home. As a result, Khimki extended their unbeaten run to four matches in the Premier League (1 win, 3 draws). However, the team has not kept a clean sheet in their last seven league games. They currently occupy the 11th spot in the standings with 29 points and a draw will secure their Premier League status. Notably, Khimki has conceded 51 goals this season, with only two teams having a worse record.
- The club has failed to win in 12 of their last 13 away matches in the Premier League (4 draws, 8 losses).
- Khimki has scored no more than once in 10 of their last 11 away league games.
- The team has conceded in the second half in 5 of their last 7 away Premier League matches.
Projected lineup for Khimki (4-5-1)
Nikita Kokarev – Dani Fernandez, Danil Stepanov, Georgy Dzhikiya, Alexander Filin – Zelimkhan Bakaev, Lucas Vera, Butta Magomedov, Robert Mejia, Ilya Berkovsky – Anton Zabolotny.
Defender Diego Luna will miss the match due to injury. Defender Edgardo Farina is suspended.
Spartak vs. Khimki: Match Prediction
Despite not being in the best form, Dejan Stankovic's side is still favored at home. They have already secured nine home victories this season, five of which came in their last seven games. During this period, Spartak has defeated strong opponents like Zenit and Lokomotiv. Moreover, they have been prolific at home, scoring 18 goals in their last seven Premier League matches.
Khimki faces a tough challenge, having lost 5 of their last 7 away league encounters, as well as their last three visits to Spartak. Nevertheless, the team plays openly and consistently scores, having found the net in 6 of their last 8 away games. However, they also concede frequently, allowing 20 goals in their last nine away league matches.
I anticipate a high-scoring game and a victory for the hosts. My prediction: Home win and Total over 2.5 goals
* Each team's lineup is based on their previous match in this tournament.
